Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Lexington is the premier martial arts academy in Lexington, South Carolina. We're dedicated to the belief that Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is for EVERYONE—regardless of your age, gender, athleticism, or skill level. Originally established in 1997 as Carter's Academy of Self-Defense, we are proud to continue the legacy of Grandmaster Hélio Gracie. Our mission is simple: to empower the weak to defend against the strong through structured, world-class self-defense programs. As a Level 4 Certified Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Training Center®—authorized directly by the world headquarters in Torrance, California—we deliver top-quality instruction you can trust.

At our academy, we offer structured martial arts curriculum specific to the self-defense needs for any demographic or skill level, with programs created for beginner adults, women and children. Our academy offers world-class instruction in Co-ed Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, Youth Martial Arts (Gracie Bullyproof®), Women's Self-Defense and Gracie Survival Tactics® for Law Enforcement, Military & First Responders. With over 40 years of martial arts experience, our owner and Head Instructor John Carter is one of the region's most highly credentialed instructors. After graduating from the University of South Carolina, he has dedicated his life to teaching Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, Aikido, and Karate across Lexington, Irmo, Chapin, and Columbia. John is a Gracie Jiu-Jitsu 1st Degree Black-Belt, an Aikido 7th Degree Black-Belt, a Certified Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Level 4 Instructor and a Gracie Survival Tactics® Instructor. He is also a Certified Women Empowered® Instructor and is certified to teach the Nationally Recognized Gracie Bullyproof Program. 

Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Lexington is an approved training facility of the We Defy Foundation, in support of our Military Veterans.